Evangelicalism in America has been the subject of numerous discussions, debates and studies over the past few decades, as the landscape of American Christianity rapidly changed. While many mainline and historic denominations suffered from membership loss and financial downfalls, evangelical churches continued on a steady upward trend of growth in membership, power and influence. This year, the evangelical movement came into the spotlight, largely for its unquestionable influence on the 2004 election results.

The following is the full text of a Dec. 2 interview with Rev. Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals and the World Prayer Center. Haggard is also the founder and senior pastor of New Life Church – one of the largest evangelical churches in America and the largest church in Colorado.

What do you believe was the largest milestone for evangelicals in 2004? more >>

Each January, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) provides an opportunity for students from colleges all over the United States to gather in Washington, DC. to meet national leaders and to experience the federal government in action. In 2005, the NAE will again host its Annual Christian Student Leadership Conference on Jan 24-28 in the nation’s capital.

The conference is designed for students to build leadership capabilities and character qualities to become future potential leaders. Students will learn how to integrate public concerns with biblical values. Subsequently, they will develop skills to influence government and election politics.

The conference will also provide a unique opportunity for students to build a network of contacts through which career positions might be obtained. more >>

Political observers say “that half the Christians in America aren’t even registered to vote, and of those who are, only half go to the polls” and that “it would be safe to say that less than half of all professing Christians vote in a given election.” Therefore, with 2004 being one of the most critical election years in the nation, Christians on both conservative and liberal wings are rallying adherents to get out the vote and choose the candidates who most closely represent their ‘values’ and ‘principles.’

The largest Evangelical conglomerate, the National Association of Evangelicals, last month released an “Evangelical Call to Civil Responsibility,” where conservative Christians were urged to “help shape the actions of the world’s lone superpower.”

"This statement supports thoughtful and sustained evangelical engagement in political life,” said Dianne Knippers, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy. “We want to encourage evangelical citizens to be involved in political parties and activities, including an unabashed advocacy of biblical principles and positions." more >>

In lieu of the provocative tide of debates surrounding the legalization of homosexual “marriage” and blessings of same-sex unions in the church, the National Association of Evangelicals Vice President of National Ministries, Dr. Bob Wenz, voiced his concerns and views in an exclusive interview with the Christian Post staff, March 1.

What has happened nationally in terms of the issuance of gay “marriage” licenses in recent months?”

“It is in fact a complex issue in terms of what is happening. In part, the issue ha been raised because of those who to interpret the law and constitution in an activist position; activism says judges, not legislators, make law, and that this is the highest authority,” said Dr. Wenz. more >>

The National Association of Evangelicals’ 62nd Annual Convention has been slated for March 11-12, at the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Keynote speakers to the event include a vast array of prominent evangelical and conservative Christian leaders, including the Southern Baptist Convention’s president, Jack Graham, and Focus on Family chairman and founder Dr. James Dobson.

The focus of this year’s convention will be on World Relief, the humanitarian arm of the NEA. In celebration of its 60th Anniversary, the World Relief president, Clive Calver will speak before the delegates to the convention.

“We rejoice with World Relief, our subsidiary, as we have seen the Lord bless and multiply their ministry,” the NAE posted on their website. more >>